Six Teams To Compete In Flankers Netball Premier League Sunday

Six teams will compete in the Flankers Netball Premier League on Sunday (March 1), beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The one-day tournament will be held at the Flankers Netball Court. It will involve a knockout-format, with the top three teams to receive monetary prizes, along with trophies, medals, certificates and sectional awards.

The Flankers Netball Premier League is organised by the St. James Social Development Commission (SDC) in collaboration with various partners.

Under the theme: ‘Empowering Communities through Sports,’ the aim is to foster unity, healthy rivalry and positive social interaction.

Parish Manager for the SDC St. James office, Denise Smith, told JIS News that the netball tournament represents a strategic social intervention.

“Community sporting activities have always been one of the most effective tools for bridging social divides. In a community like Flankers, where residents have faced various social challenges and where volunteerism has declined, sport provides a structured and positive outlet for rebuilding trust, strengthening relationships, and encouraging collective participation,” she said.

She added that the benefits of the initiative are expected to extend beyond the court, impacting the wider social fabric of the community.

“This competition is about empowering women and youth, but it is also about engaging families, community groups, and residents at large. When communities rally around positive activities, we reduce tension, promote healthy lifestyles, and build stronger social networks,” Ms. Smith stated.

Ms. Smith is encouraging residents to come out in full support of the event, as the community unites in a demonstration of empowerment through sport.

“With initiatives like this, we are engaging residents in fun social activities while building organisational capacity and teaching life skills such as tolerance, respect, teamwork, and positive work attitudes. We want our young people to see themselves as active contributors to their community’s development,” she added.

The Flankers Netball Premier League is being executed in collaboration with Minister of National Security and Peace and Member of Parliament for St. James North West, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang; Senator Councillor Charles Sinclair; Sandals Montego Bay and MBJ Airports Limited, reflecting a strong public-private partnership committed to community development.

The event forms part of a wider programme of community-led sporting activities being implemented by the SDC across St. James.

It also aligns with the SDC’s broader developmental goals, including strengthening citizens’ associations, neighbourhood watch groups, youth clubs, and community development committees.